Need Tips for Trailer Registration for WA /CA.

[IslandStorm62]

Hi All,
I am going to build my teardrop on a HF Super Capacity Trailer (1720 Lbs Capacity w/GVW 1980), so this would be classified as a Class 1 Trailer, less that 2000lbs (for Washington). I have not found California rules yet.

After my buildup, it should be less that 2000lbs and be a Class 1 trailer. Does the fact that it is built up as a camper make a difference?

Has anyone registered their homemade Teardrop in Washington or California? Any advice?

I am purchasing the trailer "package" here in Washington. My original plan is to transport the package to California and then build it.

However, I was wondering if I might eliminate some problems if I build the trailer here and get it registered before taking it down to California for the Teardrop build. Or does it even matter?

Bottom-line is that it will eventually need to be permanently registered here in Washington.

[eamarquardt]

Here in California if it is a camping trailer they will register it as such and will charge you up the ying yang each year ($100/year for my Little Guy). If you register it as a utility trailer (don't have a cabin on it when you register it) they will register it as a utility trailer with PTI (Permanent Trailer somethingerother) for about $15 for five years. I doubt they'll ever notice that you now have a cabin on your utility trailer.

Choose wisely.

Cheers,

Gus

[Dale M.]

All the good news and bad news about CALIF. trailer registration can be found here...

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vc.htm

Takes a little digging... Might want to start under "T"..... And be careful about the weight, if you get too heavy it requires brakes in CA.....

Dale

[milliejohn]

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/commercial/cvra.htm#pti

Not a big deal, I have 3 PTI trailers at this time, read the above link and stop at a DMV office if you need answers.